Summer in St Ives

26th June 2017

1. Where’s the best place to eat until you’re fit to burst?

Porthmeor Beach Cafe, serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. Now, tapas may be seen as light, but go with a group, book a heated booth, order as many dishes as you want and knock back a glass (or two… shusshhh) and enjoy one of the most beautiful sunsets in the world. It’s a gem of an experience.

2. Best place to entertain the kids?

St Ives Harbour Front arcade. No seaside holiday is complete without spending a few pennies in the arcade. Grown-ups can indulge their inner youth too and have a flutter on a simulated horserace, take aim on the hillbilly rifle range or try your luck with the good old ‘claw’. It’s a must!

3. Where to ditch the car?

You can park outside of the town in Lelant Saltings park & ride and thake the train into town. This journey featured on Michael Portillo’s BBC series Great British Railway Journeys. With views across Hayle Estuary, Carbis Bay and St Ives Bay it’s a wonderful experience. If you’d prefer to walk, park on top of the hill at the Leisure Centre car park and enjoy the spectacular view of St Ives harbour. If you don’t want to hike back up a bus operates during peak season.

4. Where to lay your head?

For somewhere unique skip the hotels and stay in a little cottage in ‘Downalong’ in the heart of St Ives. With cobbled streets, winding roads and alleyways – it’s St Ives 100 years ago.

5. Best local knees up?

The Sloop Inn. The Sloop Inn is quintessential Cornwall. Established in 1312, it is a must for a drink. If you’re lucky enough to bag a table outside you can enjoy the splendid views of the harbour.

6. Best ice cream?

Willy Waller! Situated along the harbour and with so many flavours to choose from. If you can’t make your mind up give the ‘wheel of choice’ a spin and it will choose one for you. Great when the kids can’t make up their minds.

7. Tastiest fish and chips?

It has to be Harbour Gourmet Fish & Chips also on the harbour front with a selection of some of the finest seafood and shellfish all supplied daily by fishmonger Mathew Stevens, a local fishmonger since 1948.

8. Best place to let the dog off the lead?

Bamaluz beach is a ‘secret beach’ located just below St Ives Museum, it’s the only all-year-round dog friendly beach. It’s at the bottom of some steep steps, but venture down and you’ll find a great little place where kids can explore the rock pools and dogs are free to roam.

9. An unusual fact about the area?

In the early 19^th century St Ives had the largest population of cats per head in the UK.

10. Any famous people from the area?

The famous sculptress Barbara Hepworth, is from St Ives as is the actress Susan Penhaligon, who starred in the notorious 1970s film Straw Dogs with Dustin Hoffman. The film was shot in Cornwall, just 14 miles away in St Buryan. Although not from St Ives, Thandie Newton grew up a stone’s throw away in Penzance.

11. Best local boutique?

There are so many to choose from, but a venture along the harbour front reveals many treasures.

12. How do you say “scone”? “Scon’” or “sc-oh-ne”?

Scone to rhyme with gone.

13. Famous local dish?

The Blas Burger at Blas Burgerworks, made from ingredients that have been cultivated in the most ethical of manner. Try their black bean burger with corn salsa and guacamole, or the award winning halloumi stack with caper aioli, and, of course, the classic 100% Cornish beef burger collection. It’s a cosy venue, so early arrival is necessary.

14. Describe your town in five words?

Tranquil, beauteous, bustling, charming and picturesque.

15. Any summer events coming up?

RNLI Lifeboat Day on August 17^th.

16. What to do if it’s raining cats and dogs?

Tate St Ives Art Gallery. Some great activities for the kids, a tour and of course some great art on show.

17. Best place for a picnic?

The Island. Although not officially an island, it is affectionately referred to as such by the locals. It is the patch of land at the end of Porthmeor beach, with a chapel situated on the top. The views of the surrounding area make it well worth the venture up there.

Explore our Summer of Colour here >